Go Behind the Scenes of Venture Atlanta 2016

Over the past few months, we’ve been working with some of the greatest venture stage CEOs in the southeast. As the leader of the coaching component of the Venture Atlanta, we had the opportunity to pair and coordinate 70 coaches with the 29 CEOs at three different venues over three different practice rounds. These presenting companies have undergone a grueling (and hopefully rewarding) process to perfect their pitch.

We think the hard work paid off.

Overall, we were really impressed with the roster this year and can’t wait to see what’s to come for these promising companies. The only thing cooler than walking into the wall of helmets at the College Football Hall of Fame (a new venue for the conference this year) was the energy and the enthusiasm of the 29 presenters. Here’s our official recap of this year’s pitches and the stand-outs.

Venture Atlanta 2016 Presenting Companies:

Fun Fact: The company, which has raised $2.7 million so far, is backed by Hallett Capital, TechSquare Ventures and BLH Venture Partners. After their rock star opening, voted most likely to have a cult following.

Fun Fact: Literally blowing fiber through existing pipes to make the internet faster. My grandfather who grows bluebonnets still at age 96 will be happy that you can run fiber to the home without digging up his flowers.

Fun Fact: Within two months of their Atlanta expansion, they doubled their business. They also hit $1 million in ARR (annual recurring revenue) in under 13 months since launching the business. Voted most likely to get invited to a startup potluck.

Fun Fact: Created to commercialize products developed as part of the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s work as part of the United States Department of Energy’s Sunshot program, and you can see their work outside the new Falcon stadium.

Fun Fact: Raised $325K from angel investor this past February in one round. Voted most likely to have pitch fatigue after Techstars Demo Day on Tuesday and closing Venture Atlanta on Thursday.

That concludes our behind-the-scenes look at Venture Atlanta 2016. The main stage wasn’t the only place where magic was in the making. Upstairs on the 3rd floor, 200 companies had the opportunity to connect with investors one-on-one over the 36 hour period.

Acuity is honored to be a part of the conference and serve on the Advisory Board. Once again, Venture Atlanta earned its spot as the best southeast venture conference, hands down. See you next year!